25 Signs It’s Time For Memory Care
25 Signs It’s Time For Memory Care
September 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. As we continue to look for new ways to treat this complex disease, it’s important that family caregivers recognize when a loved one may need the type of care provided by a memory care assisted living community.
Memory Care For Safety and Peace of Mind
Few things are as important as the safety of your loved ones. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia affect memory and daily functioning and can create unsafe conditions at home. Over time, safety may become more difficult for family caregivers to maintain in the home as Alzheimer’s disease symptoms and behaviors develop.
As a caregiver, you can prevent accidents and injuries by monitoring your loved one’s symptoms and behaviors and recognizing when they may need more care than you can manage alone. To that end, we’ve compiled 25 signs that indicate it might be time to consider a memory care community to ensure the safety of your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
-
Frequent Memory Loss
Memory loss, such as forgetting familiar people, places, or important events, can significantly disrupt daily life, causing your loved one to make mistakes or put themselves at risk of injury. Memory care communities provide structured environments designed to support residents with these unique needs and challenges.
-
Unexplained Wandering
Wandering is a common and dangerous symptom of Alzheimer’s disease if left unchecked. This behavior can lead to getting lost or injured. Alternatively, memory care communities have secure environments to support safe wandering practices and ensure safety.
-
Increased Confusion with Time or Place
Disorientation, such as mistaking night for day or getting lost in familiar settings, is a sign of significant memory impairment. Memory care facilities structure daily routines to help manage and mitigate confusion.
-
Difficulty Managing Daily Tasks
Struggles with routine tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, or personal hygiene, signify the need for assistance. In a memory care community, staff are trained to provide assistance with these tasks, promoting dignity and independence.
-
Poor Judgment and Decision-Making
Making poor decisions, such as giving large amounts of money to telemarketers or dressing inappropriately in the heat or cold, can have serious consequences. Memory care settings offer supervision to assist with making decisions.
-
Changes in Mood and Behavior
Sudden mood swings, anxiety, agitation, or aggression are often observed in individuals with dementia. Memory care communities offer specialized programming to properly manage and ease these behavioral changes.
-
Social Withdrawal
Avoiding social interaction or losing interest in hobbies can be a sign of progressing Alzheimer’s disease. Memory care communities encourage social engagement through carefully tailored activities.
-
Unsafe Cooking Habits
Leaving the stove on or forgetting to turn off appliances can lead to dangerous situations or injury. Memory care communities offer supervised meal preparation and dining to prevent accidents.
-
Misplacing Items
Frequently losing items and being unable to find them can cause stress and confusion. Memory care community floor plans are designed to minimize confusion and provide assistance when needed.
-
Repetition of Questions or Statements
Repeating questions, statements or stories is an indication of memory impairment. Caregivers in a memory care community typically receive dementia-care training to handle this behavior with patience and understanding.
-
Inability to Recognize Family Members or Friends
Forgetting the names or faces of loved ones can be distressing for everyone involved. Memory care communities offer a familiar and comforting environment to help maintain connections.
-
Changes in Sleeping Patterns
Frequent waking at night, difficulty sleeping, or excessive sleeping during the day can disrupt overall health. Memory care facilities provide stable routines to promote better sleep habits.
-
Unkempt Appearance and Hygiene
Neglecting personal hygiene and grooming can be signs of declining cognitive function. Memory care staff assist residents with these activities, ensuring residents maintain their dignity and health.
-
Inappropriate Behavior
Instances of inappropriate behavior, such as making rude comments or undressing in public, can be both embarrassing and troubling. Memory care staff are trained to properly manage and correct these behaviors compassionately.
-
Difficulty Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships
Problems with visual perception, such as difficulty judging distance or distinguishing colors, can contribute to accidents and falls. Memory care environments are designed to be safe and easily navigable. Purpose-built memory care communities like Serenades Memory Care feature special lighting to help overcome these challenges.
-
Increased Anxiety or Paranoia
Feelings of distrust or paranoia can cause significant distress in those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Memory care communities provide supportive environments and interventions to minimize these unwanted symptoms.
-
Loss of Initiative
A lack of motivation to start or complete tasks is typical in advanced dementia. Memory care communities encourage engagement through structured, stimulating activities.
-
Inability to Manage Finances
Difficulty paying bills, balancing checkbooks, or making sound financial decisions are signs of cognitive decline. Memory care communities eliminate the need to manage finances and pay monthly bills, preventing costly errors.
-
Difficulty Following Directions
Struggling to comprehend and follow simple instructions can lead to frustration and mistakes. Memory care settings provide patient guidance and clear communication by professionally trained caregivers.
-
Dangerous Driving
Getting lost while driving, ignoring traffic signals, or becoming confused on the road are serious safety issues. Memory care communities provide transportation services, completely removing the need for residents to drive.
-
Hallucinations and Delusions
Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there can be frightening and disorienting. Memory care staff are trained to manage these symptoms and ensure the resident’s comfort and safety.
-
Neglecting Responsibilities
Failing to upkeep the house, forgetting appointments, or neglecting pets indicate significant cognitive decline. Memory care communities ensure important activities are managed effectively and provide assistance, care and supervision 24-7.
-
Physical Aggressiveness
Physical aggression towards family members or caregivers, often stemming from confusion or frustration, can be scary and dangerous. With experience and understanding into why these behaviors occur, memory care communities are skilled in de-escalating these situations safely.
-
Communication Challenges
Difficulty finding the right words, following conversations, or completing sentences can lead to social isolation and withdrawal. Memory care encourages communication through supportive understanding, engagement and interaction.
-
Unusual Eating Behaviors
Forgetting to eat, eating too much or too little, or strange eating habits can negatively affect health and quickly spiral out of control. Memory care communities provide balanced, supervised meals to ensure proper nutrition and prevent weight loss caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
By recognizing these 25 signs that signal a need for specialized memory care, families can make informed decisions about the care their loved ones need. Memory care communities by Sonata offer expert care, a safe environment, and meaningful activities designed to enhance quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
A move to a memory care community can bring families peace of mind and ensure the best possible care for their loved one with memory challenges. For additional information and guidance on choosing the right memory care community at all stages of Alzheimer’s disease, please reach out to us. Let us help you make the most informed and compassionate decision for your family’s unique circumstances.
To learn more about memory care costs at a Serenades or Sonata community, contact us today→ or schedule a visit →
EXPECT MORE PEACE OF MIND
Visit Serenades and find out how a person-centered approach to care has allowed us to continually raise the standard in memory care assisted living.
Visiting Grandparents: Make Senior Living Visits Fun For Kids
Visiting Grandparents: Make Senior Living Visits Fun For Kids
Visiting a grandparent in a senior living community is a joyous way to honor our elders on Grandparent’s Day. But let’s face it, kids get bored easily. Luckily, we’ve got the inside scoop on how to make your visit more meaningful and fun for the grandchildren.
Should you bring children to visit a senior living community?
Bringing children to visit a grandparent in a senior living community can be incredibly rewarding for everyone involved. Many grandparents cherish the opportunity to spend time with their grandchildren and the lively energy children bring can be a cheerful addition to their day. Plus, research has shown that social interaction provides significant health benefits to older adults while improving mental health and reducing the risk of depression. Depending on the type of senior community, there may be some long-term care facilities that require prior approval to visit, so we generally recommend contacting the community directly to ask about visitation policies and hours. Keep in mind, in most independent living and assisted living communities, visitation is highly encouraged!
What are the health benefits of visiting older adults in senior living?
Planning to visit to a senior living community on Grandparent’s Day is a great idea, but visiting them several times a month is even better! That’s because visits from grandchildren can have a positive impact on the health and well-being of older adults. Interaction between grandparents and grandchildren can:
- Boost Mental Health. According to research published in the Journal of Gerontology, social activity mitigates cognitive decline in older adults and promotes emotional well-being.
- Reduce Loneliness. Loneliness can negatively impact physical and mental health, but regular visits from grandchildren can alleviate feelings of isolation, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
- Prevent Depression. According to research published in ScienceDirect, social engagement provides mental stimulation through communication and interaction with others, which can improve symptoms of depression.
- Encourage Physical Activity. Because of their boundless energy, children motivate their grandparents to engage in physical activity, which is beneficial for maintaining mobility.
What activities can grandchildren do with grandparents in senior living?
Depending on the age, there are countless activities that can make both you and your children’s visit to a senior living community both memorable and fun.
- Games and Puzzles. Board games, card games, trivia and puzzles are fun for people of all ages! Games and activities not only provide entertainment, but also improve senior health!
- Story Sharing. Older adults should be encouraged to share stories, memories or family history. This can be a wonderful way to bond with them, gain insight into your unique genealogy and preserve your family heritage.
- Bring Photos or Videos. Kids can bring along recent photos or videos to show their grandparents. Learning about each other’s lives can bridge the generational gap and inspire conversation.
- Arts and Crafts. Simple crafts or coloring projects can be a creative way to spend time together while keeping the children engaged and entertained.
- Outdoor Walks. If the senior living community you are visiting has a garden or outdoor area, take a stroll together. Fresh air and a change of scenery can be refreshing and healthy for both children and older adults.
- Special Meals. Share a meal together, either in the community dining room or at a local restaurant. Food is so much more than a means to better health and nutrition. It’s also a powerful way to connect with our loved ones.
Call ahead and ask the Activities Coordinator about planned activities on the day of your visit. Many senior living communities offer activities that both you and the children may be able to participate in like painting or card games.
What should I bring with me on my visit?
Like most things in life, actions speak louder than words. Consider brining along a small, thoughtful gift to brighten someone’s day. Items that can be enjoyed within the senior living community will be appreciated, such as puzzles, books, cozy blankets, fresh fruit, baked goods or a framed photo of the grandchildren. Avoid gifts that may require special care or create chores for your loved one. A small gift or keepsake from home can have a big impact and serve as a reminder that you care. For a more personal touch, ask the children to make a card or craft that can be gifted to a grandparent during your visit and they’ll have fun making it. If you are visiting a memory care community, bringing along your loved one’s favorite foods or snacks may even boost appetite in those struggling with weight loss.
How can I prepare grandchildren for a visit to a senior living community?
Be sure to prepare the children for your visit by discussing with them any physicial limitations or disabilities their grandparents may have, particularly if they have medical equipment like an oxygen tank or walker. Educate the children in advance about why their grandparents may need medical assistance. If their grandparents have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia symptoms, children may need more explanation as to why their grandparent has memory challenges. While it’s important to connect with your loved one and have fun on your visit, be mindful not to overwhelm them, especially if they have health conditions that limit their energy or focus. Children can become easily overwhelmed as well, so it helps to keep the first visit short and bring along activities to keep them busy such as a book, homework or toys. Remember, older adults may have a daily routine or special care needs that could affect the timing of your visit. For example, if you notice your loved one getting tired, you may need to cut your visit short.
Why do senior living communities encourage visits from families?
Sonata by AgeWell Solvere encourages family visits to our independent living, assisted living and memory care communities. Not only for the joy it brings, but because family visits are good for older adults. That’s because loneliness causes stress in older adults. Senior living communities overcome this issue by providing numerous outlets for social interaction—from activities to fitness classes, on-site wellness services, special events, outings and more. Every day features a full menu of fun activities for residents and their families to enjoy.
How can I get involved in a senior living community?
Even if you don’t live in a senior living community, there are various ways you and your children can get involved and have fun. Sharing a skill or donating your time can make a tremendous impact on older adults who may not have the benefit of visiting family and grandchildren. If you have something to offer, reach out to a nearby senior care community about volunteering. From reading to older adults with poor eyesight to playing the piano for entertainment to hosting a class on a skill you’ve mastered, there are countless opportunities to bring joy into the lives of older adults in senior living. Remember, family visits play a crucial role in enriching the lives of older adults. Visiting a senior living community like Sonata will give your children the opportunity to build beautiful memories and deepen connections with their grandparents. Ensuring the visit is enjoyable will make it something they will look forward to for years to come.
To learn more about the benefits of senior living, schedule an in-person visit to a Sonata community near you.
EXPECT MORE FREEDOM
Find out how rent-based independent living at Sonata provides financial freedom and more time to live life to the fullest!
The Storyline in Valeo™ Memory Care
The Storyline in Valeo™ Memory Care
If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you may already be experiencing the extreme personality changes and symptoms commonly associated with the disease. But even as the person with memory loss loses certain abilities, their personal narrative, or “life story,” persists. That’s because memory is our most personal possession and can never completely be erased. The hobbies we enjoyed over a lifetime. The careers we dedicated our lives to. The skills and talents we honed and mastered for both personal and professional fulfillment. The love and affection we shared with friends and family.
Memories may fade, but the essence of our true selves will forever remain intact, despite the disease. This insight is the driving force behind Valeo™ Memory Care, Sonata by AgeWell Solvere’s signature memory care program.
Valeo™ Memory Care commemorates the personal legacies of residents in our care. We honor their legacy by integrating the personal story of every individual into daily care and activities. The result has a positive and profound impact on happiness and quality of life in those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Memory Care Should Not Be One-Size-Fits-All
Our Valeo Memory Care program was founded on the idea that care and service should be both personalized and extraordinary. Today, this mindset always manifest in our hearts and passion for serving seniors in Sonata by AgeWell Solvere senior living communities.
To us, memory care should never be a one-size-fits-all service. In practice, Valeo Memory Care weaves the memories and life experiences—every individual’s unique life story—into daily caregiving. In fact, research on person-directed care has shown Alzheimer’s and dementia care to be most effective when it is tailored to an individual’s abilities, needs and preferences.
For the person with dementia, the key to a higher quality of life starts with joyful engagement. At Sonata, caregivers are trained to provide a more personalized form of care, which encourages our residents with memory loss at all stages to stay connected to those activities, interests and strengths that once brought immense joy to their lives and can continue to bring joy to each day in a memory care community.
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can be devastating to families who feel powerless to the effects of the disease. By incorporating the personal legacy of every individual in our care, Sonata’s families recognize that Mom is still Mom, even as the disease progresses, and adjust their expectations to have more meaningful interactions that tap into the joy that still exists within.
Valeo™ Memory Care Signature Programs and Holistic Wellness
Derived from the Latin word meaning “to thrive,” Valeo Memory Care emphasizes holistic wellness across the physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions to help those with memory loss thrive, experience moments of success, and feel personal achievement.
Holistic wellness and engagement are foundational to our Valeo Signature Programs, which are individualized to the residents in our memory care communities. Guided by certified dementia caregivers who are specially trained in the unique needs of those with memory challenges, our signature programs emphasize engagement as fundamental to the health and well-being of those with memory impairment. These include:
- Create & Compose – Research has shown that music improves memory, cognition and mood. We believe in employing music wherever possible in our residents’ lives to preserve connections and improve emotional well-being.
- Legacy Kit – Alzheimer’s and dementia care are informed and guided by a legacy that is unique to every individual in our care. The legacy kit contains cherished items that help residents recall past experiences and create stronger connections with family and team members.
- Travel Times – We spark joy by giving residents the feeling of travel to exotic destinations through food, décor, culture, entertainment and other reminders that may trigger memories.
- VITA! – Caregivers empower memory care residents to make daily choices about how to spend their day and routines. Residents are encouraged to engage in activities they find meaning and purpose in to promote well-being.
- Creature Comforts – Snuggling and caring for a cat or dog doesn’t just make us feel good. Animal therapy also improves the well-being of people experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Older adults with dementia are also more likely to experience the mental health benefits of animal interactions.
Learn three important ways pets can improve the health of seniors and how pets help older adults who live alone.
Dementia Activities Designed for Purpose
Having a sense of purpose in life is fundamental to well-being and people with dementia often lose their drive to engage in activities they once loved. According to research, creating more purpose is a proven intervention to reduce behavioral symptoms associated with dementia.
At Sonata senior living communities, caregiving involves taking the time to learn about the person to help them reconnect with their identity, or “life story,” whether that means helping them remember a certain skill set or favorite pastime. It is the best way to ensure residents continue to find purpose and joy in life!
Each day presents an array of stimulating activities that help residents maintain their abilities, enhance quality of life, and most importantly, instill purpose. Activities also improve physical and mental health while slowing cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s symptoms and behaviors.
We create more opportunities for those with memory loss to re-engage with those activities that once provided significant meaning and purpose in life. For example, a homemaker may find joy in folding laundry, setting the table, washing vegetables or gardening.
Residents may try their hand at many different types of arts and crafts. Scrapbooking opens the door to creating a legacy or visualizing our life story. Singing and dancing leverage the power of music therapy in those with memory loss.
Our daily activities calendar help residents exercise and play. Dance. Enjoy family and friends. And, if they choose, recreate themselves through the pursuit of new interests and hobbies! At a Sonata senior living community, the opportunities for self-expression are as diverse as they are abundant.
Serenades Memory Care and Purpose-Built Design
Sonata by AgeWell Solvere offers memory care at our senior living communities in Florida, but our Serenades Memory Care communities are purposefully designed for those with memory impairment. It’s called purpose-built design—a way of creating an environment in which every aspect—from the way spaces feel to the technology we use—is done with the intention of maximizing independence and dignity.
At Serenades Memory Care, we use small neighborhoods, open floor plans, and family-style dining to help our residents feel more at home. This unique design helps reduce anxiety and confusion caused by memory loss and gives our residents more freedom to safely navigate their way around our communities with greater confidence.
It’s never too early to make a plan for the future.
If you believe you and your loved one may benefit from Valeo Memory Care, schedule an in-person visit.
EXPECT MORE PEACE OF MIND
Visit Serenades and find out how a person-centered approach to care has allowed us to continually raise the standard in memory care assisted living.
The Vital Role of Generators in Florida's Senior Living Communities
The Vital Role of Generators in Florida's Senior Living Communities
Hurricane preparedness is a necessary part of life in Florida, a state known for its year-round warm climate and beautiful beaches. Each year, from June to November, Florida hurricane emergency preparedness plans go into effect to safeguard the state’s elderly population in emergency situations.
Florida is especially vulnerable to the threat of hurricanes, so emergency preparedness planning in senior living, including the stringent generator regulations introduced in 2018, make sense. Severe weather can knock out power and electricity and create unsafe conditions for older adults, especially during the hot summer months. Today’s generator laws in Florida guarantee older adults can always find a safe haven in a senior living community.
First Line of Defense in Florida Senior Living
Generators are the first line of defense and have become an indispensable part of hurricane preparedness plans in senior living communities. For seniors, the loss of power could mean interruption to essential services like air conditioning, lighting, and the operation of medical equipment both in the home and in residential care settings.
Upgraded generators such as those found in Sonata by AgeWell Solvere and Serenades Memory Care communities are designed to maintain operations for extended periods of time, even under the most adverse severe weather conditions. They ensure residents always have electricity, providing comfort and reassurance to seniors and their families.
Furthermore, in memory care communities, keeping the lights on in a familiar setting is essential to reducing dementia symptoms like confusion, stress and anxiety.
Florida’s Assisted Living Facility Generator Requirements
In Florida, regular generator inspection routines are stringent to make sure generators are always in optimal condition. However, it’s not all about compliance to the law! Generators in assisted living facilities provide a lifeline to families during hurricane season. For those adult children with a parent who lives alone, a move to a Sonata assisted living community provides reassurance that their parent will be safe no matter what surprises Mother Nature has in store.
Families can relax knowing assisted living communities will continue to provide essential services during an extreme weather event. Here’s a few of the state regulations you can count on in Florida:
- Assisted living communities in Florida are required to prepare a detailed emergency power plan and submit it to the local emergency management agency.
- Power sources in assisted living must be equipped to maintain air at 81 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler for at least 96 hours following a power outage.
- Licensed assisted living communities must store 72 hours of fuel onsite.
- Carbon monoxide detectors are required in all licensed assisted living communities.
- Local authorities frequently review the building, mechanical and emergency preparedness plans in assisted living communities.
For more information about the role of generators in safety, regulations that apply to them, and resources from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, this website maintains generator status updates.
Senior Living Communities and Shelter in the Storm
Today, Florida’s assisted living and memory care communities offer safe shelter in a storm, particularly to older adults who need assistance with activities of daily living. During an extreme weather event, care services delivered in the home can be interrupted when travel is too dangerous for home care providers. Hospitals and urgent care centers are not as easily accessible during a hurricane and blocked or flooded roads can make travel precarious at best. Staying at home during a hurricane is rarely the best option for older adults, particularly those who live alone.
Should a power outage occur, a senior living community is the safest place to be! Sonata senior living communities’ backup generators include capacity for cooking, heating, cooling and even powering elevators! Caregivers and staff can continue providing care and support with no interruption to service, including three meals a day. With guaranteed power from generators, senior living residents stay both cool and comfortable.
At Sonata, more than a week’s worth of food, water and supplies are stocked for each resident to accommodate for potential outages caused by severe weather. Plus, adult children with concern for an older parent find greater peace of mind knowing medication management and personal care will continue before, during and after a storm event.
The Role of Generators for Safety in Senior Living
For senior living communities, keeping residents safe is a priority year-round, not just during hurricane season. Senior living communities are highly skilled and trained to plan for and mitigate emergencies to protect the health and well-being of older adults. For this reason and more, many older adults move to a Sonata senior living community while they are still independent. Independent living communities such as Sonata Lake Mary and Sonata East at Viera not only keep older adults safer during extreme weather, they keep them healthier year-round.
Many older adults are not able to protect themselves or their homes from a hurricane. Senior living at a Sonata community removes any worry associated with storm season in Florida. That kind of peace of mind is priceless. Whether you live in Central or South Florida, there is a Sonata community or Serenades Memory Care community that can keep you safe during a storm.
If you or a loved one live in Florida, read our 10 hurricane preparedness tips for seniors. Most importantly, if you live alone, make sure you have a personal hurricane preparedness plan in place before the storm or visit a Sonata community to learn about our respite stay to shelter in place at any of our communities during severe weather.
To learn more about hurricane safety at Sonata, contact us today→ or schedule a visit →
EXPECT MORE PEACE OF MIND
Visit Serenades and find out how a person-centered approach to care has allowed us to continually raise the standard in memory care assisted living.